Separate-type air conditioner

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a separation-type air conditioner capable of increasing the heat exchanging area of a compact indoor unit and of effecting high-performance heat exchange, and particularly employable as a high-performance yet compact indoor unit whose height is low. A front heat exchanger having a configuration in which an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion are respectively made to recede is disposed in an indoor unit. In addition, a rear heat exchanger separate from the front heat exchanger is disposed on the rear surface side of the front heat exchanger. Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in an indoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchanging capacity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a separate-type air conditioner inwhich an indoor unit is separated.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventionalseparate-type air conditioner shown in, for instance, Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 118430/1985. In the drawing, reference numeral(1) denotes a casing of an indoor unit of a separate-type airconditioner; (2), a front panel at the front surface of the casing (1);(3), a front air inlet provided in the front surface of the front panel(2); (4), an upper air inlet provided in the upper surface of the frontpanel (2); (5), an air outlet provided at the underside of the frontpanel (2); and (6), a cross flow fan provided in the casing (1) anddisposed at a position corresponding to the air outlet (5).

Numeral (7) denotes a front heat exchanger disposed in the casing (1)and having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion which arerespectively formed in a receding manner and are disposed at positionscorresponding to the front air inlet (3) and the upper air inlet (4),respectively. Numeral (8) denotes fins which are formed of amultiplicity of aluminum plates which are juxtaposed horizontally in amutually spaced-apart relationship, their plate surfaces being arrangedalong the blowing direction of the cross flow fan (6). Numeral (9)denotes hair pin tubes of the front heat exchanger (7), the hair pintubes (9) being formed by a plurality of heat exchanging pipespenetrating the fins (8).

Numeral (10) denotes notched portions which are formed on the front andback sides of each fin (8) at a longitudinally intermediate positionthereof, and numeral (11) denotes a filter disposed in front of thefront heat exchanger (7).

The conventional separate-type air conditioner is arranged as describedabove, and as the cross flow fan (6) is operated, air in the room to beair-conditioned is sucked through the front air inlet (3) and the upperair inlet (4) of the casing (1), and the dust in the air is removed bythe filter (11). Then, heat exchange is effected by the front heatexchanger (7), and conditioned air is supplied through the air outlet(5) to the room to be air-conditioned.

In addition, FIG. 22 is an enlarged view corresponding to a portion XXIIof FIG. 21 above, and illustrates another conventional separate-type airconditioner. In the drawing, reference numeral (81) denotes a bentconnecting portion of the fins (8), and (82) denotes an opening which isformed on the front side of the bent portion as the fins (8) are bent atthe bent connecting portion (81).

In the above-described conventional separate-type air conditioners,since the upper edge portion and the lower edge portion are respectivelyformed in a receding manner, and the front heat exchanger (7) opposingboth the front air inlet (3) and the upper air inlet (4) is provided,the height of the casing (1) is made low, and the indoor unit is madecompact. However, there has been a problem in that it is difficult tosufficiently increase the heat exchanging area, making it difficult toobtain high performance of heat exchange.

In addition, since the filter (11) formed with a uniform thickness isdisposed in front of the front heat exchanger (7) in a curved manner,there has been a problem in that a complicated procedure is involved.Furthermore, there has been a problem in that the air, which is suckedinto the cross flow fan (6) through the openings (82) formed on thefront sides of the bent portions of the fins (8), is difficult to comeinto contact with the fins (8), so that dehumidification is insufficientand dew condensation occurs on the cross flow fan (6).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been devised to overcome the above-describedproblems, and its primary object is to obtain a separation-type airconditioner capable of easily increasing the heat exchanging area of acompact indoor unit, thereby effecting high-performance heat exchange.In addition, a second object is to obtain a separation-type airconditioner capable of easily mounting and demounting a dust collectingmeans. Furthermore, a third object is to obtain a separation-type airconditioner where cavities formed in bent portions of the fins aresmall.

In order to attain the above-noted and other objects, the presentinvention provides a separate-type air conditioner which comprises: afront heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit and having an upper edgeportion and a lower edge portion respectively formed in a recedingmanner; and a rear heat exchanger formed separately from the front heatexchanger and disposed on a rear side of the front heat exchanger.

In the separation-type air conditiner of the present invention arrangedas described above, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging areain an indoor unit having the same height, and improve the heatexchanging capacity.

The present invention further provides separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a front heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit andhaving an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion respectivelyformed in a receding manner; and a rear heat exchanger formed separatelyfrom the front heat exchanger and disposed on a rear side of the frontheat exchanger such that an upper edge of the rear heat exchanger isdisposed in opposing relation to an upper edge of the front heatexchanger with a gap therebetween, while a lower edge side of the rearheat exchanger is disposed in such a manner as to be inclined in adirection away from the front heat exchanger.

In the sepration-type air-conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging areain an indoor unit having the same height, and improve the heatexchanging capacity. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce nonuniformityin the velocity of a wind occurring in vicinities of upper portions ofthe front heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger.

The present invention further provides a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a front heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit andhaving an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion respectivelyformed in a receding manner; and a rear heat exchanger formed separatelyfrom the front heat exchanger and disposed on a rear side of the frontheat exchanger, fins of the rear heat exchanger being juxtaposed atintervals greater than those of fins of the front heat exchanger.

In the separation-type air-conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging areain an indoor unit having the same height, and improve the heatexchanging capacity. Furthermore, after the wind velocity isuniformalized at the front surfaces of the front heat exchanger and therear heat exchanger, air passes through the cross flow fan and is blownout from the air outlet.

The present invention further provides a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a front heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit andhaving an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion respectivelyformed in a receding manner; a rear heat exchanger formed separatelyfrom the front heat exchanger and disposed on a rear side of the frontheat exchanger; and stationary casing blades which form a plurality ofsplit-nozzle blow paths for uniformalizing a rate of air flowing intothe rear heat exchanger.

In the separation-type air conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging areain an indoor unit having the same height, and improve the heatexchanging capacity. Furthermore, the stationary casing blades make itpossible to reduce the rate of air flowing through an upper portion ofthe rear heat exchanger and increase the rate of air flowing through alower portion thereof, thereby uniformalizing the rate of air flowinginto the rear heat exchanger.

The present invention further provides a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a front heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit andhaving an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion respectivelyformed in a receding manner; a rear heat exchanger formed separatelyfrom the front heat exchanger and disposed on a rear side of the frontheat exchanger; and a guide blade arranged in such a manner as to besuspended downward with an upper edge thereof disposed in proximity toopposing portions of the front heat exchanger and the rear heatexchanger, a lower edge portion thereof being bent toward the front heatexchanger.

In the separation-type air conditioner according to the presentinvention arranged as described above, it is possible to increase theheat exchanging area in an indoor unit having the same height, andimprove the heat exchanging capacity. Furthermore, the guide blade makesit possible to eliminate a disturbance caused by the confluence of airflowing into the cross flow fan, thereby making it possible to eliminatea portion where the wind velocity changes extremely.

The present invention further provides a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a front heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit andhaving an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion respectivelyformed in a receding manner; a rear heat exchanger formed separatelyfrom the front heat exchanger and disposed on a rear side of the frontheat exchanger; and an arcuate curled portion formed on a bladenegative-pressure surface of a blade of a cross flow fan of the indoorunit at a fan outer-peripheral blade end of the blade.

In the separation-type air conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging areain an indoor unit having the same height, and improve the heatexchanging capacity. Furthermore, although the air current which passesthe blade for the first time flows round to the blade negative-pressuresurface side at a forward edge of the blade, the occurrence of a releaseat that time can be suppressed by the arcuate curved portion of theblade of the cross flow fan.

The present invention further provides a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a front heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit andhaving an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion respectivelyformed in a receding manner; a rear heat exchanger formed separatelyfrom the front heat exchanger and disposed on a rear side of the frontheat exchanger; and an upper air inlet formed by a plurality of mutuallyspaced apart openings and disposed in an upper surface of the indoorunit such that intervals between adjacent ones of the openings at aportion of the upper air inlet which is close to a front panel of theindoor unit and at a portion thereof which is remote from the frontpanel are arranged to be greater than intervals between adjacent ones ofthe openings at an intermediate portion of the upper air inlet.

In the separation-type air-conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging areain an indoor unit having the same height, and improve the heatexchanging capacity. Furthermore, since intervals between adjacentopenings at positions close to respective edge portions of the upper airinlet are arranged to be greater than intervals between adjacentopenings at the intermediate portion of the upper air inlet, after theflow rate of air, which has flown in, is uniformalized at the frontsurface of the heat exchanger, the air passes through the cross flow fanand is blown out through the air outlet

In addition, each of the separate-type air conditioners as describedabove may further comprise: a fan disposed between the front heatexchanger and the rear heat exchanger; and a front panel in which afront air inlet is provided at a position corresponding to the loweredge portion of the front heat exchanger and an upper air inlet isprovided at a position corresponding to upper edge portions of the frontheat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger. In this case, air is suckedin by the fan disposed between the front heat exchanger and the rearheat exchanger, through the front air inlet provided in the front panelat a position corresponding to the lower edge portion of the front heatexchanger and through the upper air inlet provided therein at a positioncorresponding to upper edge portions of the front heat exchanger and therear heat exchanger. Moreover, the separate-type air conditioner mayfurther be provided with the upper air inlet having an area of openingsgreater than an area of openings in the front air inlet so that air issucked in through the upper air inlet having an area of openings greaterthan an area of openings in the front air inlet.

The present invention further provides a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit; and aplate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to coverthe heat exchanger, the dust collecting means being provided withnet-like dust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function andwith thin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the form ofstrips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other.

In the separation-type air-conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, the plate-like dust collecting means, which isprovided with the dust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portionsfor bending arranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent atthe thin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heatexchanger.

The present invention further provdes a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit; and aplate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to coverthe heat exchanger and arranged along a front air inlet, an upper airinlet, and a rear air inlet of a casing in which the heat exchanger isdisposed, the dust collecting means being provided with net-likedust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function and withthin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the form ofstrips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other.

In the separation-type air-conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, the plate-like dust collecting means, which isprovided with the dust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portionsfor bending arranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent atthe thin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heatexchanger, and is arranged along the front air inlet, the upper airinlet, and the rear air inlet of the casing.

The present invention further provides a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit; and aplate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to coverthe heat exchanger and conform to a configuration of the heat exchanger,the dust collecting means being provided with net-like dust-collectingportions having a dust-collecting function and with thin-walled portionsfor bending which are provided in the form of strips, have theirlongitudinal directions arranged horizontally, and are disposed inparallel in spaced-apart relation to each other.

In the separation-type air-conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, the plate-like dust collecting means, which isprovided with the dust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portionsfor bending arranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent atthe thin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchangerand conform to the configuration of the heat exchanger.

The present invention further provdes a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit; aplate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to coverthe heat exchanger and arranged along a front air inlet, an upper airinlet, and a rear air inlet of a casing in which the heat exchanger isdisposed, the dust collecting means being provided with net-likedust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function and withthin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the form ofstrips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other; and aguide piece disposed at a corner portion within the casing.

In the separation-type air-conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, the plate-like dust collecting means, which isprovided with the dust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portionsfor bending arranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent atthe thin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heatexchanger, and is arranged along the front air inlet, the upper airinlet, and the rear air inlet of the casing by being guided to apredetermined position by the guide piece.

The present invention further provdes a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit; aplate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to coverthe heat exchanger and arranged along a front air inlet, an upper airinlet, and a rear air inlet of a casing in which the heat exchanger isdisposed, the dust collecting means being provided with net-likedust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function and withthin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the form ofstrips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other; and aguide rail provided in the casing for disposing the dust collectingmeans at a predetermined position by engaging an end portion of the dustcollecting means.

In the separation-type air-conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, the plate-like dust collecting means, which isprovided with the dust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portionsfor bending arranged in the form of strips, is disposed at apredetermined position by the guide rail provided in the casing, thedust collecting means being mounted by being bent at the thin-walledportions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger and beingarranged along the front air inlet, the upper air inlet, and the rearair inlet of the casing.

The present invention further provides a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit; aplate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to coverthe heat exchanger and conform to a configuration of the heat exchanger,the dust collecting means being provided with net-like dust-collectingportions having a dust-collecting function and with thin-walled portionsfor bending which are provided in the form of strips, have theirlongitudinal directions arranged horizontally, and are disposed inparallel in spaced-apart relation to each other; and a guide railprovided in the casing for disposing the dust collecting means at apredetermined position by engaging an end portion of the dust collectingmeans.

In addition, in the separation-type air conditioner of the presentinvention arranged as described above, the plate-like dust collectingmeans, which is provided with the dust-collecting portions and thethin-walled portions for bending arranged in the form of strips, isdisposed at a predetermined position by the guide rail provided in thecasing, the dust collecting means being mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger andconform to the configuration of the heat exchanger.

The present invention further provdes a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit; and aplate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to coverthe heat exchanger and arranged along a front air inlet, an upper airinlet, and a rear air inlet of a casing in which the heat exchanger isdisposed, the dust collecting means being provided with net-likedust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function and withthin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the form ofstrips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other, thethin-walled portions being disposed at positions corresponding to cornerportions within the casing.

In the sepration-type air-conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, the plate-like dust collecting means, which isprovided with the dust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portionsfor bending arranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent atthe thin-walled portions disposed at positions corresponding to cornerportions within the casing, in such a manner as to cover the heatexchanger, and is arranged along the front air inlet, the upper airinlet, and the rear air inlet of the casing.

The present invention further provides a separate-type air conditionerwhich comprises: a heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit; and aplate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to coverthe heat exchanger and conform to a configuration of the heat exchanger,the dust collecting means being provided with net-like dust-collectingportions having a dust-collecting function and with thin-walled portionsfor bending which are provided in the form of strips, have theirlongitudinal directions arranged horizontally, and are disposed inparallel in spaced-apart relation to each other, the thin-walledportions being disposed at positions corresponding to bent cornerportions in the configuration of the heat exchanger.

In the separation-type air-conditioner of the present invention arrangedas described above, the plate-like dust collecting means, which isprovided with the dust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portionsfor bending arranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent atthe thin-walled portions disposed at positions corresponding to bentcorner portions in the configuration of the heat exchanger, in such amanner as to cover the heat exchanger and conform to the configurationof the heat exchanger.

In addition, each of the separate-type air conditioners as describedabove may be provided with the heat exchanger comprising a front heatexchanger having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portionrespectively formed in a receding manner and a rear heat exchangerdisposed on a rear side of the front heat exchanger. In this case, heatexchange is effected by the heat exchanger comprising the front heatexchanger having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portionrespectively formed in a receding manner and the rear heat exchangerdisposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger. Moreover, theseparate-type air conditioner may further comprise: dust collectingmeans for covering the heat exchanger including at least a half of therear heat exchanger so that dust is collected from sucked-in air by thedust collecting means for covering the heat exchanger including at leasta half of the rear heat exchanger.

Also, the separate-type air conditioner may further comprise: aircleaning/dust collecting means disposed at a position corresponding tothe upper edge portion of the front heat exchanger. In this case, dustis collected from sucked-in air by the air cleaning/dust collectingmeans disposed at a position corresponding to the upper edge portion ofthe front heat exchanger.

Also, the separate-type air conditioner may further comprise: aircleaning/dust collecting means disposed either between a front panel andthe dust collecting means or between the dust collecting means and thefront heat exchanger. In this case, dust is collected from sucked-in airby the air cleaning/dust collecting means disposed either between afront panel and the dust collecting means or between the dust collectingmeans and the front heat exchanger.

Further, each of the separate-type air conditioners noted above mayfurther comprise: a heat exchanger in which fins are bent at a bentconnecting portion provided at a position close to an air inlet. In thiscase, the heat exchanger is bent at the bent connecting portion providedat a position on the fins which is close to the air inlet, so that eachopening formed at the position close to the air inlet becomes narrow,thereby allowing the sucked-in air to easily come into contact with thefins.

Moreover, each of the separate-type air conditioners noted above maycomprise: a heat exchanger in which fins are bent at a bent connectingportion provided at a position close to an air inlet, the heat exchangerhaving a junction which is formed as mutually opposing ends of the finsat the bent connecting portion approach each other. In this case, theheat exchanger is bent at the bent connecting portion provided at aposition on the fins which is close to the air inlet, and mutuallyopposing ends of the fins at the bent connecting portion approach eachother to form the junction. A gap between the opposing ends of the finsis reduced at the junction, thereby allowing the sucked-in air to easilycome into contact with the fins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a separate-type air conditionerillustrating a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a separate-type air conditionerillustrating a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view corresponding to a heat exchangerportion shown in FIG. 1 and illustrates a third embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view corresponding to an upper edge portion of theheat exchanger portion shown in FIG. 1 and illustrates a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view corresponding to the heat exchanger portionshown in FIG. 1 and illustrates a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view corresponding to a cross flow fan portionshown in FIG. 1 and illustrates a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a separate-type air conditionerillustrating a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-type airconditioner illustrating an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a developed front elevation of a dust collecting means shownin FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a right side elevation of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-type airconditioner illustrating a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-type airconditioner illustrating a 10th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-type airconditioner illustrating a 11th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-type airconditioner illustrating a 12th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-type airconditioner illustrating a 13th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-type airconditioner illustrating a 14th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-type airconditioner illustrating a 15th embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a developed front elevation of a dust collecting means shownin FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a right side elevation of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a 16th embodiment of the presentinvention and corresponds to FIG. 22 which is described later;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventionalseparate-type air conditioner; and

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion XXII of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 1st Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a separation-type air conditionerillustrating an embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing,reference numeral (1) denotes a casing of an indoor unit of aseparate-type air conditioner; (2), a front panel at the front surfaceof the casing (1); (3), a front air inlet provided in the front surfaceof the front panel (2); (4), an upper air inlet provided in the uppersurface of the front panel (2); (5), an air outlet provided at theunderside of the front panel (2); and (6), a cross flow fan provided inthe casing (1) and disposed at a position corresponding to the airoutlet (5).

Numeral (7) denotes a front heat exchanger disposed in the casing (1)and having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion which arerespectively formed in a receding manner and are disposed at positionscorresponding to the front air inlet (3) and the upper air inlet (4),respectively. Numeral (8) denotes fins which are formed of amultiplicity of aluminum plates which are juxtaposed horizontally in amutually spaced-apart relationship, their plate surfaces being arrangedalong the blowing direction of the cross flow fan (6). Numeral (9)denotes hair pin tubes of the front heat exchanger (7), the hair pintubes (9) being formed by a plurality of heat exchanging pipespenetrating the fins (8).

Numeral (10) denotes notched portions which are formed on the front andrear sides of each fin (8) at a longitudinally intermediate positionthereof, and numeral (11) denotes a filter disposed in front of thefront heat exchanger (7).

Numeral (12) denotes a rear heat exchanger arranged in the same way asthe front heat exchanger (7) and formed separately from the front heatexchanger (7), the rear heat exchanger (12) being disposed on the rearside of the front heat exchanger (7) in correspondence with the upperair inlet (4).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, an upper edge of the rear heat exchanger (12) isdisposed in proximity to the upper edge of the front heat exchanger (7)within the casing (1), while the lower edge side of the rear heatexchanger (12) is disposed at a position remote from the front heatexchanger (7).

As a result, in an indoor unit having the casing (1) of the same height,it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area, and the heatexchanging capacity improves. Accordingly, in the compact indoor unit inwhich the height of the casing (1) is low, it is possible to obtainhigh-performance heat exchanging capabilities.

In addition, the cross flow fan (6) is disposed at a position surroundedby the front heat exchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger (12).Furthermore, the front air inlet (3) is disposed in the front panel (2)at a position corresponding to the lower edge portion of the front heatexchanger (7), while the upper air inlet (4) is disposed in the frontpanel (2) at a position corresponding to the upper edge portions of thefront heat exchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger (12). Consequently,the circulation of a draft can be improved.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, by making the area ofthe opening in the upper air inlet (4) larger than the area of theopening in the front air inlet (3), the intake of air and the dischargeof air are balanced, making it possible to improve the heat exchangingefficiency.

2nd Embodiment

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a separation-type air conditionerillustrating another embodiment of the present invention. In thedrawing, the same reference numerals as those of FIG. 1 showcorresponding parts or portions, wherein numeral (12) denotes a rearheat exchanger arranged in the same way as the front heat exchanger (7)and formed separately from the front heat exchanger (7), the rear heatexchanger (12) being disposed on the rear side of the front heatexchanger (7) in correspondence with the upper air inlet (4). The rearheat exchanger (12) is disposed such that the upper edge of the rearheat exchanger (12) opposes the upper edge of the front heat exchanger(7) with a gap therebetween, while the lower edge side of the rear heatexchanger (12) is disposed at a position remote from the front heatexchanger (7).

In a cross section of the indoor unit of the separation-type airconditioner arranged as described above, the rear heat exchanger (12) isdisposed in correspondence with the upper air inlet (4) on the rear sideof the front heat exchanger (7) within the casing (1), and is arrangedin the shape of a chevron with an apex portion removed in cooperationwith the front heat exchanger (7).

As a result, in an indoor unit having the casing (1) of the same height,it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area, and the heatexchanging capacity improves. Accordingly, in the compact indoor unit inwhich the height of the casing (1) is low, it is possible to obtainhigh-performance heat exchanging capabilities.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, since the rear heatexchanger (12) is arranged in the shape of a chevron with an apexportion removed in cooperation with the front heat exchanger (7), it ispossible to reduce nonuniformity in the velocity of a wind occurring invicinities of upper portions of the front heat exchanger (7) and therear heat exchanger (12). Hence, it is possible to reduce air currentnoise occurring on the blade surfaces of the cross flow fan (6) due tothe nonuniformity of the velocity of the wind in the vicinities of theupper portions of the front heat exchanger (7) and the rear heatexchanger (12).

3rd Embodiment

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating still another embodiment of the presentinvention, and is an enlarged perspective view corresponding to the heatexchanger portion shown in FIG. 1, the other portions of FIG. 3 beingarranged in the same way as those of FIG. 1. In the drawing, the samereference numerals as those of FIG. 1 show corresponding parts orportions, wherein numeral (12) denotes a rear heat exchanger arranged inthe same way as the front heat exchanger (7) and formed separately fromthe front heat exchanger (7), the rear heat exchanger (12) beingdisposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger (7) incorrespondence with the upper air inlet (4). The rear heat exchanger(12) is disposed such that the upper edge of the rear heat exchanger(12) opposes the upper edge of the front heat exchanger (7) with a gaptherebetween, while the lower edge side of the rear heat exchanger (12)is disposed at a position remote from the front heat exchanger (7). Inaddition, the fins (8) of the rear heat exchanger (12) are juxtaposed atintervals greater than those of the fins (8) of the front heat exchanger(7).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the upper edge of the rear heat exchanger (12) isdisposed in proximity to the upper edge of the front heat exchanger (7)inside the casing (1), and the lower edge side of the rear heatexchanger (12) is disposed at a position remote from the front heatexchanger (7).

As a result, in an indoor unit having the casing (1) of the same height,it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area, and the heatexchanging capacity improves. Accordingly, in the compact indoor unit inwhich the height of the casing (1) is low, it is possible to obtainhigh-performance heat exchanging capabilities.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, since the fins (8) ofthe rear heat exchanger (12) are juxtaposed at intervals greater thanthose of the fins (8) of the front heat exchanger (7), after the windvelocity is uniformalized at the front surfaces of the front heatexchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger (12), air passes through thecross flow fan (6) and is blown out from the air outlet (5).Accordingly, it is possible to reduce noise occurring due to thenonuniformity of the velocity of winds flowing through the front heatexchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger (12).

4th Embodiment

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention, and is an enlarged view corresponding to the upper edgeportion of the heat exchanger portion shown in FIG. 1, the otherportions of FIG. 4 being arranged in the same way as those of FIG. 1. Inthe drawing, the same reference numerals as those of FIG. 1 showcorresponding parts or portions, wherein numeral (13) denotes stationarycasing blades provided in the casing (1) and disposed above the rearheat exchanger (12) by being spaced apart from each other, and numeral(14) denotes a plurality of split-nozzle blow paths formed by thestationary casing blades (13).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the upper edge of the rear heat exchanger (12) isdisposed in proximity to the upper edge of the front heat exchanger (7)inside the casing (1), and the lower edge side of the rear heatexchanger (12) is disposed at a position remote from the front heatexchanger (7).

As a result, in an indoor unit having the casing (1) of the same height,it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area, and the heatexchanging capacity improves. Accordingly, in the compact indoor unit inwhich the height of the casing (1) is low, it is possible to obtainhigh-performance heat exchanging capabilities.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, air flows in through theupper air inlet (4) due to the operation of the cross flow fan (6), andflows into the rear heat exchanger (12) via the split-nozzle blow paths(14). Furthermore, the stationary casing blades (13) are formed in sucha shape as to reduce the rate of air flowing through an upper portion ofthe rear heat exchanger (12) and increase the rate of air flowingthrough a lower portion thereof, so as to entirely uniformalize the rateof air flowing into the rear heat exchanger (12). Accordingly, thevelocity of a wind flowing through the heat exchanger is made uniform,thereby making it possible to reduce the noise.

5th Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a still further embodiment of thepresent invention, and is an enlarged view corresponding to the heatexchanger portion shown in FIG. 1, the other portions of FIG. 5 beingarranged in the same way as those of FIG. 1. In the drawing, the samereference numerals as those of FIG. 1 show corresponding parts orportions, wherein numeral (15) denotes a guide blade provided in thecasing (1). The guide blade (15) is arranged in such a manner as to besuspended downward with its upper edge disposed in proximity to opposingportions of the front heat exchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger(12), a lower edge portion thereof being bent toward the front heatexchanger (7).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the upper edge of the rear heat exchanger (12) isdisposed in proximity to the upper edge of the front heat exchanger (7)inside the casing (1), and the lower edge of the rear heat exchanger(12) is disposed at a position remote from the front heat exchanger (7).

As a result, in an indoor unit having the casing (1) of the same height,it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area, and the heatexchanging capacity improves. Accordingly, in the compact indoor unit inwhich the height of the casing (1) is low, it is possible to obtainhigh-performance heat exchanging capabilities.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, air flows into the crossflow fan (6) through the front heat exchanger (7) and the rear heatexchanger (12) along the guide blade (15) due to the operation of thecross flow fan (6). In addition, the guide blade (15) is formed in aconfiguration conforming to the flow line of air from the opposingportions of the front heat exchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger(12) to the cross flow fan (6).

It should be noted that the configuration of the guide blade (15) issuch that θ₁ =-1° to 9°, θ₂ =24° to 34°, L₁ =33 mm to 43 mm, and L₂ =63mm to 73 mm.

The guide blade (15) makes it possible to eliminate a disturbance causedby the confluence of air flowing into the cross flow fan (6), therebymaking it possible to eliminate a portion where the wind velocitychanges extremely. Accordingly, the velocity of a wind flowing throughthe heat exchangers is made uniform, thereby making it possible toreduce the noise.

6th Embodiment

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention, and is an enlarged view corresponding to the cross flow fanshown in FIG. 1, the other portions of FIG. 6 being arranged in the sameway as those of FIG. 1. In the drawing, the same reference numerals asthose of FIG. 1 show corresponding parts or portions, wherein numeral(16) denotes a blade of the cross flow fan (6) in which are formed anouter peripheral blade end (17), an inner peripheral blade end (18), ablade pressure surface (19), a blade negative-pressure surface (20), anarcuate curled portion (21), and an arcuate curled portion end (22).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the upper edge of the rear heat exchanger (12) isdisposed in proximity to the upper edge of the front heat exchanger (7)inside the casing (1), and the lower edge of the rear heat exchanger(12) is disposed at a position remote from the front heat exchanger (7).

As a result, in an indoor unit having the casing (1) of the same height,it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area, and the heatexchanging capacity improves. Accordingly, in the compact indoor unit inwhich the height of the casing (1) is low, it is possible to obtainhigh-performance heat exchanging capabilities.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the blade (16) of thecross flow fan (6) is formed in a configuration in which the arcuatecurled portion (21) is added to the blade negative-pressure surface (20)at the fan outer-peripheral blade end (17) of the blade (16). For thisreason, even if the air current which passes the blade (16) of the crossflow fan (6) for the first time flows in from a direction which forms alarge angle with respect to the blade (16), it is possible to suppressthe occurrence of a release at the time of flowing round to the bladenegative-pressure surface (20) side at the forward edge of the blade(16). Accordingly, it is possible to improve both the blowingperformance and the noise characteristic.

7th Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a separation-type air conditionerillustrating a further embodiment of the present invention. In thedrawing, the same reference numerals as those of FIG. 1 showcorresponding parts or portions, wherein numeral (4) denotes the upperair inlet provided in the upper surface of the front panel (2), and theupper air inlet (4) is comprised of a plurality of openings in whichintervals between adjacent openings at a portion of the upper air inlet(4) which is close to the front panel (2) and at a portion thereof whichis remote from the front panel (2) are arranged to be greater thanintervals between adjacent openings at an intermediate portion of theupper air inlet (4).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the upper edge of the rear heat exchanger (12) isdisposed in proximity to the upper edge of the front heat exchanger (7)inside the casing (1), and the lower edge of the rear heat exchanger(12) is disposed at a position remote from the front heat exchanger (7).

As a result, in an indoor unit having the casing (1) of the same height,it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area, and the heatexchanging capacity improves. Accordingly, in the compact indoor unit inwhich the height of the casing (1) is low, it is possible to obtainhigh-performance heat exchanging capabilities.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the intervals betweenadjacent openings at the portion of the upper air inlet (4) which isclose to the front panel (2) and at the portion thereof which is remotefrom the front panel (2) are arranged to be greater than intervalsbetween adjacent openings at the intermediate portion of the upper airinlet (4). For this reason, after the flow rate of air, which has flownin through the front air inlet (3) and the upper air inlet (4) due tothe operation of the cross flow fan (6), is uniformalized at the frontsurfaces of the front heat exchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger(12), the air passes through the cross flow fan (6) and is blown outthrough the air outlet (5). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce noiseoccurring due to the nonuniformity of the velocity of winds flowingthrough the front heat exchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger (12).

Moreover, the heat exchangers are constituted by the front heatexchanger (7) whose upper and lower edge portions are respectively madeto recede and the rear heat exchanger (12) disposed on the rear side ofthe front heat exchanger (7). Then, since the dust collecting means (11)for covering these heat exchangers is provided, it is possible to obtainan efficient dust-collecting effect.

In addition, as at least a half of the rear heat exchanger (12) and thefront heat exchanger (7) are covered with the dust collecting means(11), it is possible to obtain a required dust-collecting effect.

8th Embodiment

FIGS. 8 to 10 are diagrams illustrating a further embodiment of thepresent invention, in which FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional sideelevation of a separation-type air conditioner; FIG. 9 is a developedfront elevation of a dust collecting means shown in FIG. 8; and FIG. 10is a right side elevation of FIG. 9. In the drawings, reference numeral(1) denotes the casing of the indoor unit of a separate-type airconditioner; (2), the front panel at the front surface of the casing(1); (3), the front air inlet provided in the front surface of the frontpanel (2); (4), the upper air inlet provided in the upper surface of thefront panel (2); (5), the air outlet provided at the underside of thefront panel (2); and (6), the cross flow fan provided in the casing (1)and disposed at a position corresponding to the air outlet (5).

Numeral (7) denotes the front heat exchanger disposed in the casing (1)and having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion which arerespectively formed in a receding manner and are disposed at positionscorresponding to the front air inlet (3) and the upper air inlet (4),respectively. Numeral (8) denotes fins which are formed of amultiplicity of aluminum plates which are juxtaposed horizontally in amutually spaced-apart relationship, their plate surfaces being arrangedalong the blowing direction of the cross flow fan (6). Numeral (9)denotes hair pin tubes of the front heat exchanger (7), the hair pintubes (9) being formed by a plurality of heat exchanging pipespenetrating the fins (8).

Numeral (100) denotes a bent portion formed between the upper edgeportion and the lower edge portion of the front heat exchanger (7), andnumeral (111) denotes a plate-like dust collecting means disposed insuch a manner as to cover the front air inlet (3) and the upper airinlet (4), the dust collecting means (111) being comprised of net-likedust-collecting portions (112) having a dust-collecting function, aframe (113) for fixing the dust-collecting portions (112), thin-walledportions (114) for bending which are provided on the frame (113) in theform of strips, have their longitudinal directions arrangedhorizontally, and are disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation toeach other, a horizontal-movement preventing piece (115) projectingdownward, and a vertical-movement preventing piece (116) projectingtoward the front.

Numeral (12) denotes the rear heat exchanger arranged in the same way asthe front heat exchanger (7) and formed separately from the front heatexchanger (7). The rear heat exchanger (12) is disposed on the rear sideof the front heat exchanger (7) in correspondence with the upper airinlet (4), and is arranged such that its upper edge portion is disposedin proximity to the front heat exchanger (7) and its lower edge portionis inclined in a direction away from the front heat exchanger (7).Numeral (221) denotes a stopper provided on the inner surface of thefront panel (2). The stopper (221) supports the vertical-movementpreventing piece (116) by means of its upper surface, and is providedwith a fitting hole (222) into which the horizontal-movement preventingpiece (115) is fitted.

Numeral (23) denotes an air-cleaning/dust-collecting means which isdisposed at a position close to an upper portion of the front panel (2),and is arranged between the dust collecting means (111) and the innersurface of the front panel (2).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the dust collecting means (111) is mounted in thecasing (1) through the following operation: Namely, the front panel (2)is opened, and the dust collecting means (111) is placed in such amanner as to cover the front heat exchanger (7) and the rear heatexchanger (12). Then, if the horizontal-movement preventing piece (115)of the dust collecting means (111) is fitted in the fitting hole (222)of the stopper (221), the vertical-movement preventing piece (116) issupported on the stopper (221). The dust collecting means (111) isthereby disposed in a predetermined position inside the casing (1).

In addition, when the dust collecting means (111) is mounted, the dustcollecting means (111) can be easily shaped into a configuration adaptedto the shapes of the front heat exchanger (7) and the rear heatexchanger (12) by means of the thin-walled portions (114) for bending.Consequently, the dust collecting means (111) can be easily mounted in apredetermined position inside the casing through a simple operation.

The upper air inlet (4) portion provided at the upper surface of thefront panel (2) is arranged to be openable, and theair-cleaning/dust-collecting means (23) can be mounted or demounted byopening this portion. In addition, since the dust collecting means (111)is provided with the plurality of thin-walled portions (114), the dustcollecting means (111) can be used as common component parts for indoorunits of a multiplicity of types.

Also, since the air-cleaning/dust-collecting means (23) is disposed incorrespondence with the upper edge portion of the front heat exchanger(7), it is possible to obtain an efficient dust-collecting effect.Furthermore, by disposing the air-cleaning/dust-collecting means (23)either between the front panel (2) and the dust collecting means (111)or between the dust collecting means (111) and the front heat exchanger(7), it is possible to obtain a required dust-collecting effect.

9th Embodiment

FIG. 11 is also a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-typeair conditioner illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention. In the drawing, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.8 to 10 show corresponding parts or portions. Reference numeral (101)denotes a rear air inlet provided in an upper rear surface of the casing(1); (111) denotes the dust collecting means disposed in such a manneras to cover the upper air inlet (4) and the rear air inlet (101) andmounted along the inner surface of the front panel (2); and (23) denotesthe air-cleaning/dust-collecting means disposed between the dustcollecting means (111) and the front heat exchanger (7).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the dust collecting means (111) having the thin-walledportions (114) for bending is mounted by an operation similar to that ofthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Accordingly, although a detaileddescription will be omitted, it is apparent that an effect similar tothat of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 can also be obtained inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 11.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, since the dustcollecting means (111) is mounted along the inner surface of the casing(1), the area of the dust collecting means (111) is enlarged, so thatthe dust-collecting capabilities can be improved. Furthermore, since thedust-collecting portions (112) are provided for the upper air inlet (4)and the rear air inlet (101), respectively, it is possible to obtain amore reliable dust-collecting effect. For this reason, in the indoorunit of the casing (1) having the same height, it is possible to obtainhigh dust-collecting capabilities.

10th Embodiment

FIG. 12 is also a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-typeair conditioner illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention. In the drawing, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.8 to 10 show corresponding parts or portions. Reference numeral (111)denotes the dust collecting means covering both the front heat exchanger(7) and the rear heat exchanger (12) and mounted in such a manner as toconform to the respective configurations of these heat exchangers; and(23) denotes the air-cleaning/dust-collecting means disposed between thedust collecting means (111) and the front panel (2).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the dust collecting means (111) having the thin-walledportions (114) for bending is mounted by an operation similar to that ofthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Accordingly, although a detaileddescription will be omitted, it is apparent that an effect similar tothat of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 can also be obtained inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, since the dustcollecting means (111) is made to conform to the configurations of thefront heat exchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger (12) and is mountedon the inner surface of the front panel, the area of the dust collectingmeans (111) is enlarged, so that the dust-collecting capabilities can beimproved. For this reason, in the indoor unit of the casing (1) havingthe same height, it is possible to obtain high dust-collectingcapabilities. Additionally, since the dust collecting means (111) isdisposed in conformity to the configurations of the front heat exchanger(7) and the rear heat exchanger (12), the space within the casing (1)can be saved, and unillustrated devices for other functions can beaccommodated in the saved space.

11th Embodiment

FIG. 13 is also a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-typeair conditioner illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention. In the drawing, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.8 to 10 show corresponding parts or portions. Reference numeral (24)denotes guide pieces which are disposed at a corner portion between thefront air inlet (3) and the upper air inlet (4) in the panel (2) and ata corner portion between the upper air inlet (4) and the rear air inlet(101). Numeral (23) denotes the air-cleaning/dust-collecting meansdisposed between the dust collecting means (111) and the front heatexchanger (7).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the dust collecting means (111) having the thin-walledportions (114) for bending is mounted by an operation similar to that ofthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Accordingly, although a detaileddescription will be omitted, it is apparent that an effect similar tothat of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 can also be obtained inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, when the dustcollecting means (111) is mounted, the dust collecting means (111) isguided to a predetermined position by the guide pieces (24), so that thedust collecting means (111) can be easily mounted in a predeterminedposition in the casing (1) by a simpler operation.

12th Embodiment

FIG. 14 is also a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-typeair conditioner illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention. In the drawing, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.8 to 10 show corresponding parts or portions. Reference numeral (25)denotes a guide rail in the form of a groove which is provided in thecasing (1) and is disposed along the front air inlet (3) and the upperair inlet (4) in the panel (2) and in correspondence with the front heatexchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger (12). Numeral (26) denotes astopper provided at a terminating end of the guide rail (25) at aposition close to the rear heat exchanger (12). Numeral (23) denotes theair-cleaning/dust-collecting means disposed between the dust collectingmeans (111) and the front heat exchanger (7).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the dust collecting means (111) having the thin-walledportions (114) for bending is inserted into the guide rail (25) and isguided by making use of the guiding action through an operation similarto that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Then, the dustcollecting means (111) is stopped at a predetermined position by thestopper (26) and is thus mounted. Accordingly, although a detaileddescription will be omitted, it is apparent that an effect similar tothat of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 for mounting the dustcollecting means (111) in a predetermined position within the casing (1)can also be obtained easily in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 throughan even simpler operation.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the upper air inlet (4)portion is arranged to be openable, and after the upper air inlet (4)portion is opened, the dust collecting means (111) is mounted at apredetermined position by means of the guide rail (25) and the stopper(26). Furthermore, since the dust-collecting portions (112) are disposedat the front air inlet (3) the upper air inlet (4), and the rear airinlet (101), respectively, it is possible to obtain a more reliabledust-collecting effect.

13th Embodiment

FIG. 15 is also a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-typeair conditioner illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention. In the drawing, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.8 to 10 show corresponding parts or portions. Reference numeral (25)denotes the guide rail in the form of a groove which is provided in thecasing (1) and is disposed in correspondence with the front heatexchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger (12) in the front panel (2).Numeral (26) denotes the stopper provided at the terminating end of theguide rail (25) at a position close to the rear heat exchanger (12).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the dust collecting means (111) having the thin-walledportions (114) for bending is inserted into the guide rail (25) and isguided by making use of the guiding action through an operation similarto that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Then, the dustcollecting means (111) is stopped at a predetermined position by thestopper (26) and is thus mounted. Accordingly, although a detaileddescription will be omitted, it is apparent that an effect similar tothat of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 for mounting the dustcollecting means (111) in a predetermined position within the casing (1)can also be obtained easily in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 throughan even simpler operation.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the upper air inlet (4)portion is arranged to be openable, and after the upper air inlet (4)portion is opened, the dust collecting means (111) is mounted at apredetermined position by means of the guide rail (25) and the stopper(26). Furthermore, since the dust collecting means (111) is disposed inconformity to the configurations of the front heat exchanger (7) and therear heat exchanger (12), the space within the casing (1) can be saved,and unillustrated devices for other functions can be accommodated in thesaved space.

14th Embodiment

FIG. 16 is also a vertical sectional side elevation of a separation-typeair conditioner illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention. In the drawing, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.8 to 10 show corresponding parts or portions. Reference numeral (111)denotes the dust collecting means which is provided in the casing (1)and in which the thin-walled portions (114) for bending are provided inrespective corner portions close to the upper front and the upper rearof the casing (1). Numeral (23) denotes the air-cleaning/dust-collectingmeans which is disposed between the dust collecting means (111) and thefront heat exchanger (7).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the dust collecting means (111) having the thin-walledportions (114) for bending is mounted by an operation similar to that ofthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Accordingly, although a detaileddescription will be omitted, it is apparent that an effect similar tothat of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 can also be obtained inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 16 through a simpler operation.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, since the dustcollecting means (111) having the thin-walled portions (114) for bendingformed in the respective corner portions close to the upper front andthe upper rear of the casing (1) is mounted along the inner surface ofthe front panel (2) and the rear air inlet (101), the area of the dustcollecting means (111) is enlarged, so that the dust-collectingcapabilities can be improved. For this reason, in the indoor unit of thecasing (1) having the same height, it is possible to obtain highdust-collecting capabilities.

Furthermore, since the thin-walled portions (114) of the dust collectingmeans (111) are formed in the respective corner portions close to theupper front and the upper rear of the casing (1), it is possible toobtain high dust-collecting capabilities.

Additionally, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the upper air inlet(4) portion is arranged to be openable, and after the upper air inlet(4) portion is opened, the dust collecting means (111) is mounted at apredetermined position via the front panel (2) and theair-cleaning/dust-collecting means (23).

Moreover, since the thin-walled portions (114) of the dust collectingmeans (111) are reduced, the processing cost can be reduced, therebymaking it possible to cut back on the fabrication cost.

15th Embodiment

FIGS. 17 to 19 are diagrams illustrating a further embodiment of thepresent invention, in which FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional sideelevation of a separation-type air conditioner; FIG. 19 is a developedfront elevation of a dust collecting means shown in FIG. 17; and FIG. 19is a right side elevation of FIG. 18. In the drawings, the samereference numerals as those in FIGS. 8 to 10 show corresponding parts orportions. Reference numeral (111).denotes a plate-like dust collectingmeans which is disposed in such a manner as to cover the front heatexchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger (12) and conform to theconfigurations of these heat exchangers. In the dust collecting means(111), the thin-walled portions (114) for bending are provided atpositions corresponding to a bent portion of the front heat exchanger(7), an upper edge portion of the front heat exchanger (7), and an upperedge portion of the rear heat exchanger (12), respectively. Thethin-walled portions (114) for bending have V-shaped cross sections,have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, and aredisposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other.

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the dust collecting means (111) having the thin-walledportions (114) for bending is mounted by an operation similar to that ofthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Accordingly, although a detaileddescription will be omitted, it is apparent that an effect similar tothat of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 can also be obtained inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 19.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the dustcollecting means (111) is made to conform to the configurations of boththe front heat exchanger (7) and the rear heat exchanger (12) by meansof the thin-walled portions (114) for bending, and is disposed alongthese heat exchangers. Accordingly, the area of the dust collectingmeans (111) is enlarged, so that the dust-collecting capabilities can beimproved. For this reason, in the indoor unit of the casing (1) havingthe same height, it is possible to obtain high dust-collectingcapabilities.

Additionally, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the upper airinlet (4) portion is arranged to be openable, and after the upper airinlet (4) portion is opened, the dust collecting means (111) is mountedat a predetermined position via the front panel (2) and theair-cleaning/dust-collecting means (23). Further, since the thin-walledportions (114) of the dust collecting means (111) are disposed at thebent corner portions in the configurations of the front heat exchanger(7) and the rear heat exchanger (12) as shown in FIG. 17, it is possibleto obtain high dust-collecting capabilities.

Furthermore, since the dust collecting means (111) is disposed inconformity to the configurations of the front heat exchanger (7) and therear heat exchangerhh (12), the space within the casing (1) can besaved, and unillustrated devices for other functions can be accommodatedin the saved space. Moreover, since the thin-walled portions (114) ofthe dust collecting means (111) are reduced, the processing cost can bereduced, thereby making it possible to cut back on the fabrication cost.

16th Embodiment

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a further embodiment of the presentinvention and corresponding to FIG. 22 referred to earlier. As for otherunillustrated components and portions of FIG. 20, the indoor unit of theseparation-type air conditioner is arranged in the same way as in FIGS.8 to 10 referred to above. In the drawings, the same reference numeralsas those in FIGS. 8 to 10 show corresponding parts or portions.Reference numeral (81) denotes a bent connecting portion of the fins(8), which is provided at a position on the fins (8) which is close tothe front air inlet (3). Numeral (82) denotes an opening which is formedon the front side of the bent portion as the fins (8) are bent at thebent connecting portion (81), and numeral (83) denotes a junction whichis formed as vertically mutually opposing ends of the fins (8) approacheach other when the fins (8) are bent at the bent connecting portion(81).

In the indoor unit of the separation-type air conditioner arranged asdescribed above, the dust collecting means (111) having the thin-walledportions (114) for bending is mounted by an operation similar to that ofthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Accordingly, although a detaileddescription will be omitted, it is apparent that an effect similar tothat of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 can also be obtained inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 20.

Also, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, as the bent connecting portion(81) is provided at a position on the fins (8) which is close to thefront air inlet (3) and the fins (8) are bent, the vertically mutuallyopposing ends of the fins (8) approach each other and the junction (83)is formed. Consequently, each opening (82) becomes narrow, so that it ispossible to overcome the drawback of dew condensation occurring on thecross flow fan (6) due to insufficient dehumidification because the air,which is sucked into the cross flow fan (6) through the openings (82),is difficult to come into contact with the fins (8). Accordingly, in thecompact indoor unit in which the height of the casing (1) is low, it ispossible to obtain high dehumidifying capabilities.

Additionally, as the junction (83) is formed when the fins (8) are bentand the vertically mutually opposing ends approach each other, a gapbetween the vertically mutually opposing ends decreases. Accordingly, itis also possible to overcome the drawback of dew condensation occurringon the cross flow fan (6) due to insufficient dehumidification becausethe air, which is sucked into the cross flow fan (6) through theopenings (82), is difficult to come into contact with the fins (8).Accordingly, in the compact indoor unit in which the height of thecasing (1) is low, it is possible to obtain high dehumidifyingcapabilities.

As described above, in accordance with the present invention, the frontheat exchanger having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portionrespectively formed in a receding manner is disposed in the indoor unit,and the rear heat exchanger separate from the front heat exchanger isdisposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Therefore, there is an advantage in that high-performance heatexchanging capabilities can be obtained in a compact indoor unit whoseheight is low.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, the front heat exchanger having an upper edge portion and alower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner is disposedin the indoor unit, and the rear heat exchanger formed separately fromthe front heat exchanger is disposed on the rear side of the front heatexchanger such that an upper edge of the rear heat exchanger is disposedin opposing relation to an upper edge of the front heat exchanger with agap therebetween, and the rear heat exchanger is inclined downward.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce nonuniformity in thevelocity of a wind occurring in vicinities of upper portions of thefront heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger. Therefore, there is anadvantage in that high-performance heat exchanging capabilities can beobtained in a compact indoor unit whose height is low. Additionally,there is an advantage in that it is possible to reduce air current noiseoccurring due to the nonuniformity of the velocity of the wind in thevicinities of the upper portions of the front heat exchanger and therear heat exchanger.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, the front heat exchanger having an upper edge portion and alower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner is disposedin the indoor unit, and the rear heat exchanger, which is formedseparately from the front heat exchanger and whose fins are juxtaposedat intervals greater than those of fins of the front heat exchanger, isdisposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Furthermore, after the wind velocity is uniformalized at thefront surfaces of the front heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger,air passes through the cross flow fan and is blown out from the airoutlet. Therefore, there is an advantage in that high-performance heatexchanging capabilities can be obtained in a compact indoor unit whoseheight is low. Additionally, there is an advantage in that it ispossible to reduce air current noise occurring due to the nonuniformityof the velocity of the wind in the vicinities of the upper portions ofthe front heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, the front heat exchanger having an upper edge portion and alower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner is disposedin the indoor unit, and the rear heat exchanger separate from the frontheat exchanger is disposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger.Also provided are stationary casing blades which form a plurality ofsplit-nozzle blow paths for uniformalizing the rate of air flowing intothe rear heat exchanger.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Furthermore, the stationary casing blades make it possible toreduce the rate of air flowing through an upper portion of the rear heatexchanger and increase the rate of air flowing through a lower portionthereof, thereby entirely uniformalizing the rate of air flowing intothe rear heat exchanger. Therefore, there is an advantage in thathigh-performance heat exchanging capabilities can be obtained in acompact indoor unit whose height is low. Additionally, there is anadvantage in that it is possible to uniformalize the velocity of a windflowing through the heat exchanger, thereby making it possible to reducethe noise.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, the front heat exchanger having an upper edge portion and alower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner is disposedin the indoor unit, and the rear heat exchanger separate from the frontheat exchanger is disposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger.Also provided is the guide blade with an upper edge disposed inproximity to opposing portions of the front heat exchanger and the rearheat exchanger, a lower edge portion of the guide blade being benttoward the front heat exchanger.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Furthermore, the guide blade makes it possible to eliminate adisturbance caused by the confluence of air flowing into the cross flowfan, thereby making it possible to eliminate a portion where the windvelocity changes extremely. Therefore, there is an advantage in thathigh-performance heat exchanging capabilities can be obtained in acompact indoor unit whose height is low. Additionally, there is anadvantage in that it is possible to uniformalize the velocity of a windflowing through the heat exchanger, thereby making it possible to reducethe noise.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, the front heat exchanger having an upper edge portion and alower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner is disposedin the indoor unit, and the rear heat exchanger separate from the frontheat exchanger is disposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger.Also, the arcuate curled portion is provided on the bladenegative-pressure surface of a blade of the cross flow fan of the indoorunit at a fan outer-peripheral blade end of the blade.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Furthermore, the occurrence of a release when the air currentpassing the blade for the first time flows round to the bladenegative-pressure surface side at a forward edge of the blade, can besuppressed by the arcuate curved portion of the blade of the cross flowfan. Therefore, there is an advantage in that high-performance heatexchanging capabilities can be obtained in a compact indoor unit whoseheight is low, and there is another advantage in that it is possible toimprove both the blowing performance and the noise characteristic.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, the front heat exchanger having an upper edge portion and alower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner is disposedin the indoor unit, and the rear heat exchanger separate from the frontheat exchanger is disposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger.Also, the upper air inlet is disposed in an upper surface of the indoorunit such that intervals between adjacent ones of the openings at aportion of the upper air inlet which is close to the front and at aportion thereof which is close to the rear are arranged to be greaterthan intervals between adjacent ones of the openings at an intermediateportion of the upper air inlet.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Furthermore, since intervals between adjacent openings atpositions close to respective edge portions of the upper air inlet arearranged to be greater than intervals between adjacent openings at theintermediate portion of the upper air inlet, after the flow rate of air,which has flown in, is uniformalized at the front surface of the heatexchanger, the air passes through the cross flow fan and is blown outthrough the air outlet. Therefore, there is an advantage in thathigh-performance heat exchanging capabilities can be obtained in acompact indoor unit whose height is low. Additionally, there is anadvantage in that it is possible to reduce noise occurring due to thenonuniformity of the velocity of winds flowing through the front heatexchanger and the rear heat exchanger.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, the front heat exchanger having an upper edge portion and alower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner is disposedin the indoor unit, and the rear heat exchanger separate from the frontheat exchanger is disposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger.Also provided are the fan disposed between the front heat exchanger andthe rear heat exchanger and the front panel in which the front air inletis provided at a position corresponding to the lower edge portion of thefront heat exchanger and the upper air inlet is provided at a positioncorresponding to upper edge portions of the front heat exchanger and therear heat exchanger.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Furthermore, air is sucked in by the fan disposed between thefront heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger, through the front airinlet provided in the front panel at a position corresponding to thelower edge portion of the front heat exchanger and through the upper airinlet provided therein at a position corresponding to upper edgeportions of the front heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger.Therefore, there is an advantage in that high-performance heatexchanging capabilities can be obtained in a compact indoor unit whoseheight is low. Additionally, there is an advantage in that thecirculation of suction and discharge air is made excellent, therebyimproving the heat exchanging efficiency.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, the front heat exchanger having an upper edge portion and alower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner is disposedin the indoor unit, and the rear heat exchanger separate from the frontheat exchanger is disposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger.Also provided are the fan disposed between the front heat exchanger andthe rear heat exchanger and the front panel in which the front air inletis provided at a position corresponding to the lower edge portion of thefront heat exchanger and the upper air inlet is provided at a positioncorresponding to upper edge portions of the front heat exchanger and therear heat exchanger. In addition, the area of openings of the upper airinlet is made greater than the area of openings in the front air inlet.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Furthermore, air is sucked in by the fan disposed between thefront heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger, through the front airinlet provided in the front panel at a position corresponding to thelower edge portion of the front heat exchanger and through the upper airinlet provided therein at a position corresponding to upper edgeportions of the front heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger.Additionally, air is sucked in through the upper air inlet having anarea of openings greater than the area of openings in the front airinlet. Therefore, there is an advantage in that high-performance heatexchanging capabilities can be obtained in a compact indoor unit whoseheight is low. Moreover, there is an advantage in that the balance andcirculation of suction and discharge air are made excellent, therebyimproving the heat exchanging efficiency.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger disposed in the indoorunit and the plate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manneras to cover the heat exchanger, the dust collecting means being providedwith the net-like dust-collecting portions having a dust-collectingfunction and with the thin-walled portions for bending which areprovided in the form of strips, have their longitudinal directionsarranged horizontally, and are disposed in parallel in spaced-apartrelation to each other.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger.Accordingly, when the dust collecting means is mounted, the dustcollecting means can be shaped into a configuration adapted to the shapeof the heat exchanger by means of the thin-walled portions for bending.Consequently, there is an advantage in that the operation of mountingthe dust collecting means in a predetermined position inside the casingis facilitated.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger disposed in the indoorunit and the plate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manneras to cover the heat exchanger and arranged along the front air inlet,the upper air inlet, and the rear air inlet of the casing in which theheat exchanger is disposed, the dust collecting means being providedwith the net-like dust-collecting, portions having a dust-collectingfunction and with the thin-walled portions for bending which areprovided in the form of strips, have their longitudinal directionsarranged horizontally, and are disposed in parallel in spaced-apartrelation to each other.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger,and is arranged along the front air inlet, the upper air inlet, and therear air inlet of the casing. Accordingly, when the dust collectingmeans is mounted, the dust collecting means can be shaped into aconfiguration adapted to the shape of the heat exchanger by means of thethin-walled portions for bending. Consequently, there is an advantage inthat the operation of mounting the dust collecting means in apredetermined position inside the casing is facilitated.

Furthermore, since the dust collecting means is mounted along the innersurface of the casing, the area can be enlarged, so that there is anadvantage in that the dust-collecting capabilities can be improved,thereby making it possible to obtain high dust-collecting capabilitiesin the casing having the same height.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger disposed in the indoorunit and the plate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manneras to cover the heat exchanger and conform to the configuration of theheat exchanger, the dust collecting means being provided with thenet-like dust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function andwith the thin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the formof strips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger andconform to the configuration of the heat exchanger. Accordingly, whenthe dust collecting means is mounted, the dust collecting means can beshaped into a configuration adapted to the shape of the heat exchangerby means of the thin-walled portions for bending. Consequently, there isan advantage in that the operation of mounting the dust collecting meansin a predetermined position inside the casing is facilitated.

Furthermore, since the dust collecting means is mounted in conformity tothe configuration of the heat exchanger, the area can be enlarged, sothat there is an advantage in that the dust-collecting capabilities canbe improved, thereby making it possible to obtain high dust-collectingcapabilities in the casing having the same height.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger disposed in the indoorunit; the plate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner asto cover the heat exchanger and arranged along the front air inlet, theupper air inlet, and the rear air inlet of the casing in which the heatexchanger is disposed, the dust collecting means being provided with thenet-like dust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function andwith the thin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the formof strips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other; and theguide piece disposed at a corner portion within the casing.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger,and is arranged along the front air inlet, the upper air inlet, and therear air inlet of the casing by being guided to a predetermined positionby the guide piece. Accordingly, when the dust collecting means ismounted, the dust collecting means can be shaped into a configurationadapted to the shape of the heat exchanger by means of the thin-walledportions for bending. Consequently, there is an advantage in that theoperation of mounting the dust collecting means in a predeterminedposition inside the casing is facilitated.

Furthermore, since the dust collecting means is mounted along the innersurface of the casing, the area can be enlarged, so that there is anadvantage in that the dust-collecting capabilities can be improved,thereby making it possible to obtain high dust-collecting capabilitiesin the casing having the same height. Additionally, when the dustcollecting means is mounted, the dust collecting means is guided to apredetermined position by the guide piece, so that there is an advantagein that the operation of mounting the dust collecting means is furtherfacilitated.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger disposed in the indoorunit; the plate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner asto cover the heat exchanger and arranged along the front air inlet, theupper air inlet, and the rear air inlet of the casing in which the heatexchanger is disposed, the dust collecting means being provided with thenet-like dust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function andwith the thin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the formof strips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other; and theguide rail provided in the casing for disposing the dust collectingmeans at a predetermined position by engaging an end portion of the dustcollecting means.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger,and is arranged along the front air inlet, the upper air inlet, and therear air inlet of the casing. Accordingly, when the dust collectingmeans is mounted, the dust collecting means can be shaped into aconfiguration adapted to the shape of the heat exchanger by means of thethin-walled portions for bending. Consequently, there is an advantage inthat the operation of mounting the dust collecting means in apredetermined position inside the casing is facilitated.

Furthermore, since the dust collecting means is mounted along the innersurface of the casing, the area can be enlarged, so that there is anadvantage in that the dust-collecting capabilities can be improved,thereby making it possible to obtain high dust-collecting capabilitiesin the casing having the same height. Additionally, when the dustcollecting means is mounted, the dust collecting means is guided to apredetermined position by the guide rail, so that there is an advantagein that the operation of mounting the dust collecting means is furtherfacilitated.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger disposed in the indoorunit; the plate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner asto cover the heat exchanger and conform to the configuration of the heatexchanger, the dust collecting means being provided with the net-likedust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function and with thethin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the form ofstrips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other; and theguide rail provided in the casing for disposing the dust collectingmeans at a predetermined position by engaging an end portion of the dustcollecting means.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is disposed at a predetermined positionby the guide rail provided in the casing, and is mounted by being bentat the thin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heatexchanger and conform to the configuration of the heat exchanger.Accordingly, when the dust collecting means is mounted, the dustcollecting means can be shaped into a configuration adapted to the shapeof the heat exchanger by means of the thin-walled portions for bending.Consequently, there is an advantage in that the operation of mountingthe dust collecting means in a predetermined position inside the casingis facilitated.

Furthermore, when the dust collecting means is mounted, the dustcollecting means is guided to a predetermined position by the guiderail, so that there is an advantage in that the operation of mountingthe dust collecting means is further facilitated.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger disposed in the indoorunit; and the plate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manneras to cover the heat exchanger and arranged along the front air inlet,the upper air inlet, and the rear air inlet of the casing in which theheat exchanger is disposed, the dust collecting means being providedwith the net-like dust-collecting portions having a dust-collectingfunction and with the thin-walled portions for bending which areprovided in the form of strips, have their longitudinal directionsarranged horizontally, and are disposed in parallel in spaced-apartrelation to each other, the thin-walled portions being disposed atpositions corresponding to corner portions within the casing.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions disposed at positions corresponding to cornerportions within the casing, in such a manner as to cover the heatexchanger, and is arranged along the front air inlet, the upper airinlet, and the rear air inlet of the casing. Accordingly, when the dustcollecting means is mounted, the dust collecting means can be shapedinto a configuration adapted to the shape of the heat exchanger by meansof the thin-walled portions for bending. Consequently, there is anadvantage in that the operation of mounting the dust collecting means ina predetermined position inside the casing is facilitated.

Furthermore, since the dust collecting means can be mounted along theinner surface of the casing, the area can be enlarged, so that there isan advantage in that the dust-collecting capabilities can be improved,thereby making it possible to obtain high dust-collecting capabilitiesin the casing having the same height.

Additionally, since the thin-walled portions of the dust collectingmeans are respectively disposed at corner portions within the casing,there is an advantage in that high dust-collecting capabilities can beobtained.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger disposed in the indoorunit; and the plate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manneras to cover the heat exchanger and conform to the configuration of theheat exchanger, the dust collecting means being provided with thenet-like dust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function andwith the thin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the formof strips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other, thethin-walled portions being disposed at positions corresponding to bentcorner portions in the configuration of the heat exchanger.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions disposed at positions corresponding to bent cornerportions in the configuration of the heat exchanger, in such a manner asto cover the heat exchanger and conform to the configuration of the heatexchanger. Accordingly, when the dust collecting means is mounted, thedust collecting means can be shaped into a configuration adapted to theshape of the heat exchanger by means of the thin-walled portions forbending. Consequently, there is an advantage in that the operation ofmounting the dust collecting means in a predetermined position insidethe casing is facilitated.

Furthermore, since the thin-walled portions of the dust collecting meansare disposed at positions corresponding to bent corner portions in theconfiguration of the heat exchanger, there is an advantage in that highdust-collecting capabilities can be obtained.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger comprising the frontheat exchanger having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portionrespectively formed in a receding manner and the rear heat exchangerdisposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger; and theplate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to coverthe heat exchanger, the dust collecting means being provided with thenet-like dust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function andwith the thin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the formof strips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger. Inaddition, heat exchange is effected by the heat exchanging comprised ofthe front heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger. Accordingly, whenthe dust collecting means is mounted, the dust collecting means can beshaped into a configuration adapted to the shape of the heat exchangerby means of the thin-walled portions for bending. Consequently, there isan advantage in that the operation of mounting the dust collecting meansin a predetermined position inside the casing is facilitated.Additionally, there is an advantage of improving the dust-collectingefficiency.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger comprising the frontheat exchanger having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portionrespectively formed in a receding manner and the rear heat exchangerdisposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger; and theplate-like dust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to coverthe heat exchanger including at least a half of the rear heat exchanger,the dust collecting means being provided with the net-likedust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function and with thethin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the form ofstrips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger. Inaddition, heat exchange is effected by the heat exchanging comprised ofthe front heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger. Accordingly, whenthe dust collecting means is mounted, the dust collecting means can beshaped into a configuration adapted to the shape of the heat exchangerby means of the thin-walled portions for bending. Consequently, there isan advantage in that the operation of mounting the dust collecting meansin a predetermined position inside the casing is facilitated.Additionally, there is an advantage of improving the dust-collectingefficiency by virtue of the dust collecting means for covering the heatexchanger including at least a half of the rear heat exchanger.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger comprising the frontheat exchanger having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portionrespectively formed in a receding manner and the rear heat exchangerdisposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger; the plate-likedust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to cover the heatexchanger, the dust collecting means being provided with the net-likedust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function and with thethin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the form ofstrips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other; and theair cleaning/dust collecting means disposed at a position correspondingto the upper edge portion of the heat exchanger.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger. Inaddition, heat exchange is effected by the heat exchanging comprised ofthe front heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger. Accordingly, whenthe dust collecting means is mounted, the dust collecting means can beshaped into a configuration adapted to the shape of the heat exchangerby means of the thin-walled portions for bending. Consequently, there isan advantage in that the operation of mounting the dust collecting meansin a predetermined position inside the casing is facilitated.Additionally, there is an advantage of improving the dust-collectingefficiency by virtue of the air cleaning/dust collecting means and thedust collecting means.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, there are provided the heat exchanger comprising the frontheat exchanger having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portionrespectively formed in a receding manner and the rear heat exchangerdisposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger; the plate-likedust collecting means disposed in such a manner as to cover the heatexchanger, the dust collecting means being provided with the net-likedust-collecting portions having a dust-collecting function and with thethin-walled portions for bending which are provided in the form ofstrips, have their longitudinal directions arranged horizontally, andare disposed in parallel in spaced-apart relation to each other; and theair cleaning/dust collecting means disposed either between the frontpanel and the dust collecting means or between the dust collecting meansand the front heat exchanger.

The plate-like dust collecting means, which is provided with thedust-collecting portions and the thin-walled portions for bendingarranged in the form of strips, is mounted by being bent at thethin-walled portions in such a manner as to cover the heat exchanger. Inaddition, heat exchange is effected by the heat exchanging comprised ofthe front heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger. Accordingly, whenthe dust collecting means is mounted, the dust collecting means can beshaped into a configuration adapted to the shape of the heat exchangerby means of the thin-walled portions for bending. Consequently, there isan advantage in that the operation of mounting the dust collecting meansin a predetermined position inside the casing is facilitated.Additionally, there is an advantage of improving the dust-collectingefficiency by virtue of the air cleaning/dust collecting means and thedust collecting means.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, the front heat exchanger having an upper edge portion and alower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner is disposedin the indoor unit, and the rear heat exchanger separate from the frontheat exchanger is disposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger,wherein fins of the front heat exchanger are bent at the bent connectingportion provided at a position close to an air inlet.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Therefore, there is an advantage in that high-performance heatexchanging capabilities can be obtained in a compact indoor unit whoseheight is low.

In addition, the heat exchanger is bent at the bent connecting portionprovided at a position on the fins which is close to the air inlet, sothat each opening formed at the position close to the air inlet becomesnarrow. Hence, the sucked-in air is allowed to easily come into contactwith the fins, so that it is possible to overcome the drawback of dewcondensation occurring due to insufficient dehumidification because airis difficult to come into contact with the fins. Accordingly, there isan advantage in that it is possible to obtain high dehumidifyingcapabilities.

In addition, as described above, in accordance with the presentinvention, the front heat exchanger having an upper edge portion and alower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner is disposedin the indoor unit, and the rear heat exchanger separate from the frontheat exchanger is disposed on the rear side of the front heat exchanger,wherein fins of the front heat exchanger are bent at the bent connectingportion provided at a position close to an air inlet, the heat exchangerhaving the junction which is formed as mutually opposing ends of thefins at the bent connecting portion approach each other.

Consequently, it is possible to increase the heat exchanging area in theindoor unit having the same height, and improve the heat exchangingcapacity. Therefore, there is an advantage in that high-performance heatexchanging capabilities can be obtained in a compact indoor unit whoseheight is low.

In addition, the heat exchanger is bent at the bent connecting portionprovided at a position on the fins which is close to the air inlet, andmutually opposing ends of the fins at the bent connecting portionapproach each other to form the junction. For this reason, a gap betweenthe opposing ends of the fins is reduced at the junction, therebyallowing the sucked-in air to easily come into contact with the fins.Accordingly, it is possible to overcome the drawback of dew condensationoccurring due to insufficient dehumidification because air is difficultto come into contact with the fins. Hence, there is an advantage in thatit is possible to obtain high dehumidifying capabilities.

What is claimed is:
 1. A separate-type air conditioner comprising:afront heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit and having an upper edgeportion and a lower edge portion respectively formed in a recedingmanner; and a rear heat exchanger formed separately from said front heatexchanger and disposed on a rear side of said front heat exchanger;wherein said rear heat exchanger is disposed such that an upper edge ofsaid rear heat exchanger is disposed in opposing relation to an upperedge of said front heat exchanger, such that a gap is defined between aportion of the upper edge of said rear heat exchanger which is closestto said front heat exchanger and a portion of the upper edge of saidfront heat exchanger which is closest to said rear heat exchanger, and alower edge side of said rear heat exchanger is disposed in such a manneras to be inclined in a direction away from said front heat exchanger. 2.A separate-type air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein fins ofsaid rear heat exchanger are juxtaposed at intervals greater than thoseof fins of said front heat exchanger.
 3. A separate-type air conditioneraccording to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:a fan disposedbetween said front heat exchanger and said rear heat exchanger; and afront panel in which a front air inlet is provided at a positioncorresponding to the lower edge portion of said front heat exchanger andan upper air inlet is provided at a position corresponding to upper edgeportions of said front heat exchanger and said rear heat exchanger.
 4. Aseparate-type air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein an area ofopenings in said upper air inlet is made greater than an area ofopenings in said front air inlet.
 5. A separate-type air conditioneraccording to claim 1, further comprising:stationary casing blades whichform a plurality of split-nozzle flow paths for uniformalizing a rate ofair flowing into said rear heat exchanger.
 6. A separate-type airconditioner according to claim 1, further comprising:a guide bladearranged in such a manner as to be suspended downward with an upper edgethereof disposed in proximity to opposing portions of said front heatexchanger and said rear heat exchanger, a lower edge portion of saidguide blade being bent toward said front heat exchanger.
 7. Aseparate-type air conditioner according to claim 1, furthercomprising:an arcuate curled portion provided on a blade of a cross flowfan of said indoor unit and disposed on a blade negative-pressuresurface at a fan outer-peripheral blade end of said blade.
 8. Aseparation-type air conditioner according to claim 7, furthercomprising:a front panel in which a front air inlet is provided at aposition corresponding to the lower edge portion of said front heatexchanger and an upper air inlet is provided at a position correspondingto upper edge portions of said front heat exchanger and said rear heatexchanger, and wherein said cross flow fan is disposed between saidfront heat exchanger and said rear heat exchanger.
 9. A separation-typeair conditioner according to claim 8, wherein an area of openings insaid upper air inlet is made greater than an area of openings in saidfront air inlet.
 10. A separate-type air conditioner according to claim1, further comprising:an upper air inlet formed by a plurality ofmutually spaced apart openings and disposed in an upper surface of saidindoor unit such that intervals between adjacent ones of said openingsat a portion of said upper air inlet which is close to a front panel ofsaid indoor unit and at a portion thereof which is remote from saidfront panel are arranged to be greater than intervals between adjacentones of said openings at an intermediate portion of said upper airinlet.
 11. A separation-type air conditioner according to claim 10,wherein said upper air inlet is provided at a position corresponding toupper edge portions of said front heat exchanger and said rear heatexchanger, said front panel is further formed with a front air inletprovided at a position corresponding to the lower edge portion of saidfront heat exchanger, and a fan is disposed between said front heatexchanger and said rear heat exchanger.
 12. A separation-type airconditioner according to claim 11, wherein an area of openings in saidupper air inlet is made greater than an area of openings in said frontair inlet.
 13. A separate-type air conditioner according to claim 1,wherein fins of said heat exchanger are bent at a bent connectingportion provided at a position close to an air inlet.
 14. Aseparate-type air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein fins of saidheat exchanger are bent at a bent connecting portion provided at aposition close to an air inlet, said heat exchanger having a junctionwhich is formed as mutually opposing ends of said fins at said bentconnecting portion approach each other.
 15. A separate-type airconditioner comprising:a front heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unitand having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion respectivelyformed in a receding manner; and a rear heat exchanger formed separatelyfrom said front heat exchanger and disposed on a rear side of said frontheat exchanger; wherein said rear heat exchanger is disposed such thatan upper edge of said rear heat exchanger is disposed in opposingrelation to an upper edge of said front heat exchanger, with a gaptherebetween, and a lower edge side of said rear heat exchanger isdisposed in such a manner as to be inclined in a direction away fromsaid front heat exchanger; and said separate-type air conditionerfurther comprises: a fan disposed between said front heat exchanger andsaid rear heat exchanger; and a front panel in which a front air inletis provided at a position corresponding to the lower edge portion ofsaid front heat exchanger and an upper air inlet is provided at aposition corresponding to upper edge portions of said front heatexchanger and said rear heat exchanger.
 16. A separate-type airconditioner according to claim 15, wherein an area of openings in saidupper air inlet is made greater than an area of openings in said frontair inlet.
 17. A separate-type air conditioner comprising:a front heatexchanger disposed in an indoor unit and having an upper edge portionand a lower edge portion respectively formed in a receding manner; arear heat exchanger formed separately from said front heat exchanger anddisposed on a rear side of said front heat exchanger; a fan disposedbetween said front heat exchanger and said rear heat exchanger; and afront panel in which a front air inlet is provided at a positioncorresponding to the lower edge portion of said front heat exchanger andan upper air inlet is provided at a position corresponding to upper edgeportions of said front heat exchanger and said rear heat exchanger. 18.A separate-type air conditioner according to claim 17, wherein an areaof openings in said upper air inlet is made greater than an area ofopenings in said front air inlet.
 19. A separate-type air conditionercomprising:a front heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit and havingan upper edge portion and a lower edge portion respectively formed in areceding manner; a rear heat exchanger formed separately from said frontheat exchanger and disposed on a rear side of said front heat exchanger;an arcuate curled portion provided on a blade of a cross flow fan ofsaid indoor unit and disposed on a blade negative-pressure surface at afan outer-peripheral blade end of said blade; and a front panel in whicha front air inlet is provided at a position corresponding to the loweredge portion of said front heat exchanger and an upper air inlet isprovided at a position corresponding to upper edge portions of saidfront heat exchanger and said rear heat exchanger, and wherein saidcross flow fan is disposed between said front heat exchanger and saidrear heat exchanger.
 20. A separation-type air conditioner according toclaim 19, wherein an area of openings in said upper air inlet is madegreater than an area of openings in said front air inlet.